Judd Leighton

Nov. 26, 1910 - Dec. 19, 2005

Nov. 26, 1910 - Dec. 19, 2005

December 20, 2005

Judd Leighton, 95, of South Bend, passed away on Monday, December 19, 2005, at his home in South Bend, Indiana. Judd was born on November 26, 1910, in South Bend, to Walter and Alice Leighton. Judd's father, Walter Leighton, was born in Hanley-Staffordshire, England, and emigrated to the United States in 1882; his mother Alice was born in Toledo, Ohio. Judd was raised in South Bend where he lived with his parents, two brothers (Walter and James) and a sister (Alice) who have predeceased him. Surviving are nieces, Nancy Crook of Littleton, Colorado, and Nancy Leighton Buttemore of Westlake, Ohio. Judd graduated from South Bend High School in 1930 and attended Northwestern University in Evanston, IL, where he received his liberal arts degree. After graduation Judd served his country in the United States Navy. He received his juris doctor from Northwestern University Law School, Chicago, IL, in 1947, and worked as a law clerk in a Washington, D.C., law firm. Judd returned to the South Bend area where he pursued a career in business and banking. He became chairman of First Interstate Bank of Northern Indiana and chairman of Benicia Industries in California, and served as a director of Gulf & Western Industries, Inc., Paramount Communications, Inc., and Associates Corporation of North America. Judd married Mary Lou Oare in New York City on May 20, 1961. Surviving are stepchildren, Nancy Oare Butler of Niles, Michigan, and Ernest M. Oare Sr. of Warrenton, Virginia. Stepson, Robert L. Oare Jr., passed away on October 9, 2001. Judd's beloved Mary Lou passed away on March 16, 2001. Judd was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in South Bend. He was active on the Advisory Council of Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame and became a member of the Visiting Committee of Northwestern University School of Law. He held memberships in the American Bar Association, Indiana Bar Association, Illinois Bar Association and the Chicago Bar Association. He was a director/trustee of Memorial Health System, Inc., and Memorial Hospital of South Bend. He was a director emeritus of the South Bend Symphony Orchestra Association, Inc., and served on the board of directors of Morris Entertainment. He belonged to the National Gallery of Art Collectors Committee and was a life member of the Northern Indiana Historical Society. He was a founding member of the board of directors of the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County, Inc., and was a trustee for Project Future. After the passing of Mary Lou Leighton, Judd became chairman of the Leighton-Oare Foundation that was established to encourage and promote education, medicine, music and the arts. An auditorium and cardiovascular lecture hall at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, bear the Leighton name. The Leighton Hall at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, bear the Leighton name. The Leighton Memorial Heart and Vascular Center in South Bend opened in 2005. Prior to that, Judd was instrumental in facilitating an improved trauma center at Memorial Hospital of South Bend. The Memorial Leighton Senior Center serves seniors in the community and the Memorial Leighton Kids Museum promotes a healthy lifestyle for kids. The Leighton Gallery at the Northern Indiana Center for History features both historical and current exhibits for the enjoyment of the community. As an influential community leader, Judd served on numerous boards and committees, yet found time to pursue his love of golf (city champion in 1933), and to serve as a delegate/alternate to eight Republican National Conventions. He shared Mary Lou's love of symphonic music. Judd's honors include Community Service Award, Saint Mary's College (1975); Alumni Service Award, Northwestern University (1987); Helping Hands Award, Hospice of St. Joseph (1990); Don E. Gibson Award, Indiana Society of Architects (1992); Honorary Degree, Doctor of Humanitarian Service, Hillsdale College (1994); Distinguished Citizen Award, Boy Scouts of America (1995); University of Notre Dame "Wall of Recognition" Tribute for Exceptional Benefactors (1996); Distinguished American Award, Moose Krause Chapter, The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame (1997); E.M. Morris Award, Indiana University South Bend, Division of Business and Economics (1996-97); Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree, Saint Mary's College (1999); Frank C. Rogers Community Service Award, Rotary Club of South Bend (1999); Chancellor's Medal for Service IUSB (2000-2001); South Bend Community Hall of Fame (2001); Chamber of Commerce W. Scott Miller Distinguished Business Leader Award (2002); Circle of Distinction, St. Joseph County Republican Party (2004). Funeral services for Judd Leighton will be held in the First Presbyterian Church, South Bend, 333 West Colfax, on Thursday, December 22, at 10:00 a.m., with the Rev. David S. Morrow officiating. Committal services will follow at the graveside at Riverview Cemetery. Family and friends will be received from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 21, in the residence of Judd Leighton, 1207 Erskine Manor Hill, South Bend, Indiana. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Memorial Health Foundation and Community Foundation of Saint Joseph County. Welsheimer Family Funeral Homes is handling arrangements.